2-homopiperazine-1-yl-4h-1,3-benzothiazine-4-one derivatives and process for the preparation of 2- (homo)piperazine 1,3-benzothiazine-4-one hydrochlorides

ABSTRACT

2-homopiperazine-1-yl-4H-1, 3-bensothiazine-4-one derivatives of formula (I) are provided. They are useful in the treatment of bacterial infections, in particular tuberculosis, buruli ulcer and leprosy. A process for the preparation of 2-(homo)piperazine 1, 3-benzothiazine-4-one hydrochlorides is also provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to 2-homopiperazine-1-yl-4H-1,3-benzothiazine-4-one derivatives and their use in a method for treating mammalian infections caused by bacteria, especially tuberculosis (TB), buruli ulcer and leprosy. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 2-(homo)piperazine-1,3-benzothiazine-4-one hydrochlorides.

BACKGROUND

Mycobacteria have plagued humanity for several millennia by causing major diseases like tuberculosis (TB), leprosy and Buruli ulcer. In terms of disease burden and mortality, TB is incontestably the most important and challenging threat to human health, in part because of the increasing prevalence of primary resistance to the current drugs. There is thus a growing need for new compounds with a novel mode of action (Balganesh, T. S., P. M. Alzari, and S. T. Cole. Trends Pharmacol Sci, 2008. 29(11): p. 576-81.) and these may also find application in treating other mycobacterial diseases and infections due to other Corynebacterineae. Leprosy is nearing elimination as a public health problem (Britton, W. J. and D. N. Lockwood. Lancet, 2004. 363(9416): p. 1209-19), thanks to the control measures implemented by the World Health Organisation, while the emerging disease, Buruli ulcer, is of growing concern (Demangel, C., T. P. Stinear, and S. T. Cole. Nat Rev Microbiol, 2009. 7(1): p. 50-60).

In the past twenty years, drug-resistant tuberculosis has reached an alarming level. In the 1990s, there had been increasing concern about the multidrug-resistant (MDR) form, where Mycobacterium tuberculosis has acquired resistance to the main front-line drugs, i.e. isoniazid and rifampicin. There are an estimated 500,000 cases of MDR-TB worldwide of which ˜70,000 occur in Europe (Zignol, M. et al. J Infect Dis, 2006. 194: 479-485; Fears, R., S. Kaufmann, V. Ter Meulen & A. Zumla. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2010. 90: 182-187).

In the past decade, MDR-strains of M. tuberculosis have acquired additional resistance mutations to second line drugs giving rise to extensively drug-resistant (XDR) disease. In addition to isoniazid and rifampicin, XDR strains of M. tuberculosis are also resistant to fluoroquinolones and to the injectable aminoglycosides (Jassal, M. & W. R. Bishai. Lancet Infect Dis 2009. 9: 19-30). Over 50 countries have now reported XDR-TB, thereby underlining the necessity and importance of finding new drugs to treat both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB. In addition to a new mechanism of action, a new TB drug advantageously exhibits high potency, so that treatment duration can be reduced; and high specificity, so that side-effects including destruction of the gut flora can be avoided. Preferably, the new drug is suitable for oral administration.

2-Amino substituted 1,3-benzothiazine-4-ones can be used as drugs for the treatment of mycobacterial diseases in humans and mammals. Presently, the most active compounds available are 2-[(2S)-2-methyl-1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]dec-8-yl]-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothia-zin-4-one (BTZ043) (V. Makarov et al. Science, 2009, 324, 801; M. R. Pasca, et al. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 2010, 54, 1616) and 2-[4-(cyclohexylmethyl)piperazin-1-yl]-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one (PBTZ169) (V. Makarov et al. EMBO Mol Med. 2014, 6(3):372-83).

It is thus desirable to provide drugs effective in the treatment of mammalian infections caused by bacteria, especially disease such as tuberculosis, Buruli ulcer and leprosy with an improved inhibitory activity. Preferably, these drugs are effective against MDR- and XDR-strains as well as strains which are resistant against other drugs.

Recent methods for the synthesis of 2-aminosubstituted 1,3-benzothiazine-4-ones are described e.g. in WO 2007/134625, WO 2009/010163 and EP 2 029 583. These methods include:

-   1) Reacting 2-chlorobenzcarboxamide with a substituted piperazine     sodium dithiocarbamate (e.g. WO 2009/010163, method A to C).

-   -   This reaction results in the formation of free H₂S, which can         result in undesirable side products, thereby negatively         influencing purity and yield.

-   2) Reacting 2-chlorobenzcarboxamide with a metal alkylxantogenate.     The isolated 2-alkoxy-4H-1,3-benzothiazine-4-one is further reacted     with a secondary amine (WO 2009/01063).

-   -   The reaction is a two-step reaction which necessitates isolation         of the intermediate product.

-   3) Reacting 2-chlorobenzoyl chloride (e.g. WO 2009/010163, method D)     with a thiocyanate salt and subsequently treating the crude     2-chlorobenzoylthiocyanate with the corresponding secondary amine     (EP 2 029 583). In this method, the yield of the final product is in     the range of below 1% which is unsatisfactory and unsuitable for     industrial application.

In view of these drawbacks, it is highly desirable to provide a process for preparing 2-amino-substituted 1,3-benzothiazine-4-ones, especially 2-(homo)piperazine-1,3-benzothiazine-4-one derivatives which is superior to the prior art methods and which is suitable for manufacture in an industrial scale.

It has surprisingly been found that 2-(homo)piperazine 1,3-benzothiazine-4-one hydrochlorides of general formula (Ia) can be obtained in a high yield by (1) reaction of 2-chloro-3-nitro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride of general formula (II) with a thiocyanate salt M-SCN, (2) followed by reaction with a 2-substituted piperazine or homopiperazine, and (3) acidification with hydrochloric acid.

By way of this process, the hydrochlorides of general formula (Ia) are obtained in high yields (58%-78%) and high purity in a one pot-reaction. This finding was very surprising because it was known from the prior art that the reaction of piperidine derivatives with an isothiocyanate results in very low yields of below 1% (see EP 2 029 583).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Consequently, the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 2-(homo)piperazine (diazepan) 1,3-benzothiazine-4-one hydrochlorides of general formula (Ia) which comprises the following steps:

-   (1) reacting a substituted 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl     chloride of formula (II) with a thiocyanate salt M-SCN;

-   (2) reacting the resulting substituted     2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl isothiocyanate without isolation     with a substituted piperazine or homopiperazine of formula (III);

-   (3) acidifying the resulting     2-(homo)piperazine-1,3-benzothiazine-4-one with hydrochloric acid to     obtain a compound of formula (Ia)

wherein n is 1 or 2; preferably 2; R¹ is a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkyl group, a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkenyl group or a linear or branched C₃₋₁₂ alkynyl group, all of which may be substituted with halogen (such as F, Cl, Br and I), and wherein one or two CH₂-groups may be substituted with O or S, or

-   -   wherein     -   X is a linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a linear or branched         C₁₋₆ alkenyl group or a linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkynyl group;     -   Y is a direct bond, O, S, NH, NMe, NEt, or NPr;     -   Z is a direct bond, or a linear or branched C₁₋₃ alkyl group;     -   Q is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, phenyl, or naphtyl,         which may be substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from         halogen, a linear or branched C₁₋₃ alkoxy group, a linear or         branched C₁₋₃ alkenyloxy group, a linear or branched C₁₋₃         alkynyloxy group, mono-, di or trifluoromethyl;         M is an alkali metal, or NH₄; preferably Na, K or NH₄; more         preferably NH₄;         R² is NO₂, NHOH; preferably NO₂.

In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to 2-homopiperazine-1-yl-4H-1,3-benzothiazine-4-one derivatives according to general formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, in particular to their hydrochlorides.

wherein n is 2; R¹ is a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkyl group, a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkenyl group, a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkynyl group, all of which may be substituted with halogen (such as F, Cl, Br and I), and wherein one or two CH₂-groups may be substituted with O or S, or

-   -   wherein     -   X is a linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a linear or branched         C₁₋₆ alkenyl group, or a linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkynyl group;     -   Y is a direct bond, O, S, NH, NMe, NEt, or NPr;     -   Z is a direct bond, or a linear or branched C₁₋₃ alkyl group;     -   Q is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, phenyl, or naphtyl,         which may be substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from         halogen, a linear or branched C₁₋₃ alkoxy group, a linear or         branched C₁₋₃ alkenyloxy group, a linear or branched C₁₋₃         alkynyloxy group, mono-, di or trifluoromethyl; and         R² is NO₂ or NHOH; preferably NO₂.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a one-pot synthesis for the preparation of 2-piperazine and 2-homopiperazine 1,3-benzothiazine-4-one hydrochlorides of general formula (Ia). The term “homopiperazine” is synonymous with the term “diazepan” and can be used interchangeably.

As the process of the present invention is a one-pot-synthesis, it is unnecessary to isolate and purify the intermediates which may be difficult and usually lowers the yield of the final product.

The process according to the invention comprises the following steps:

-   (1) reacting a substituted 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl     chloride of formula (II) with a thiocyanate salt M-SCN; -   (2) reacting the resulting substituted     2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl isothiocyanate without isolation     with a substituted piperazine or homopiperazine of formula (III); -   (3) acidifying the resulting 2-piperazine or 2-homopiperazine     1,3-benzothiazine-4-one with hydrochloric acid to obtain a compound     of formula (Ia).

In this scheme, n, R¹, M, and R² are as defined above. Preferred embodiments of R¹ and R² are those which are described below in relation to the compounds of the invention.

The compounds wherein R² is NHOH may be obtained by reducing the corresponding compound of formula (Ia) wherein R² is NO₂ in a manner known to the skilled person.

The hydrochlorides of general formula (Ia) which are obtained in the process of the present invention may be converted into the corresponding compounds of general formula (I), i.e. into the free base form or other pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, by standard methods which are known to the skilled person. In particular, the free base may conveniently be obtained by reaction of the hydrochloride salt with sodium carbonate.

The process of the present invention is preferably carried out in an organic solvent, preferably THF or acetone, most preferably THF.

Hereinafter, a particularly preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention is described:

In the first reaction step, a solution of a substituted 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride in THF, preferably 2-chloro-3-nitro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride, is added to a solution of the thiocyanate salt M-SCN at a temperature of −10° C. to +30° C., preferably −5 to +20° C.

In this step, the thiocyanate salt M-SCN is preferably used in a molar ratio of from 1 to 3, more preferably of from 1 to 1.4, based on the compound of formula (II).

Following the reaction of the thiocyanate salt with the substituted 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride so as to obtain the corresponding 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl isothiocyanate, the precipitated, white, solid alkali/ammonium chloride is removed by filtration.

In the second reaction step, a freshly distilled substituted piperazine or homopiperazine in THF is added dropwise to the substituted 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl isothiocyanate mother liquid at a temperature of −10° C. to +75° C., preferably between 0 to +50° C. The free base of the 2-piperazine or 2-homopiperazine 1,3-benzothiazine-4-one precipitates as a solid from the reaction mixture during storage at a temperature of between 0° C. to +30° C., preferably at +25° C., for 0.5 to 3 hours.

The substituted piperazine or homopiperazine is used in a molar ratio of 1 to 5, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 to 2, based on the compound of formula (II).

In the final acidification step, the obtained reaction mixture is treated with a solution of HCl in water or an organic solvent, preferably methanol, ethanol, isopropanol or ethyl acetate, thereby converting the free base into the hydrochloride salt. The hydrochloride salt precipitates from the reaction mixture, and is obtained with high yield and purity.

Preferably, HCl is used in a concentration of 5%, and is added in an amount so as to adjust the pH to about 2. The mixture is cooled over night, preferably at a temperature of 4° C. The precipitated 2-piperazine or 2-homopiperazine 1,3-benzothiazine-4-one hydrochloride is filtered off, and subsequently washed with a small amount of an organic solvent, preferably acetone.

In a second embodiment, the present invention is directed to novel 2-piperazine-1-yl-4H-1,3-benzothiazine-4-one derivatives of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, in particular to the hydrochloride salts of the compounds of formula (I):

wherein n, R¹, and R² are as defined above.

In a preferred embodiment, R¹ is a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkyl group which may be substituted with halogen and wherein one or two CH₂-groups may be substituted with O or S. In a more preferred embodiment, R¹ is a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkyl group, wherein one CH₂-group may be substituted with O. In an even more preferred embodiment, R¹ is a linear, branched or cyclic C₄₋₉ alkyl group, wherein one CH₂-group may be substituted with O. In the most preferred embodiment, R¹ is a linear or cyclic C₄₋₉ alkyl group.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), R¹ is a linear or cyclic C₄₋₉ alkyl group and R² is NO₂.

The compounds of formula (I) may be in the form of their free bases or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, including their hydrochlorides, sulfates, nitrates, methanesulfonates, benzenesulfonates, oxalates, maleates, phosphates, malates, tartrates, fumarates and salicylates, preferably their hydrochlorides and sulfates. The hydrochlorides are particularly preferred.

The compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention exhibit strong antibacterial activity, especially against mycobacteria with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) in the range of ˜0.2-1 ng/ml for M. tuberculosis H37Rv, determined by the resazurin reduction method (J. C. Palomino, A. Martin, M. Camacho, H. Guerra, J. Swings, F. Portaels, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 2002, 46, 2720-2722). In particular, the compounds according to the invention demonstrate a high level of selectivity for mycobacteria and related actinobacteria, so that they are expected to be associated with fewer adverse effects.

Thus, the compounds of the invention are useful for the treatment of mycobacterial infections, and even other actinobacterial infections such as diphtheria or nocardiosis, in humans and in animals. They are especially potent in the treatment of tuberculosis, buruli ulcer and leprosy.

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds according to the invention may be prepared in a manner known to the skilled person, e.g. by mixing with commonly used excipients and tabletting.

The present invention will hereinafter be described in more detail by way of the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES

Chemicals and solvents were purchased from Alfa-Aesar (GB) or from Aldrich Co. (Sigma-Aldrich Company, St-Louis, US). They were used without additional purification.

Melting points were determined according to the BP procedure and are uncorrected (Electrothermal 9001, GB).

The molecular formula was analysed (Carlo-Erba 5500, Italy).

NMR spectra were determined with a Varian Unity Plus 300 (USA). Shifts for ¹H NMR are reported in ppm downfield from TMS (δ).

Mass spectra were obtained using a Finnigan SSQ-700 (USA) instrument with direct injection.

Reactions and purity of compounds were controlled by TLC using Silicagel 60 F₂₅₄ aluminium sheets (Merck Co, Germany).

Example 1 2-[4-(Cyclohexylmethyl)-1,4-diazepan-1-yl]-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride (Compound 1)

A solution of 5.0 g (17.3 mmol) fresh 2-chloro-3-nitro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride in 25 ml of THF was added to a solution of 1.45 g (19.0 mmol) NH₄SCN in 25 ml of THF within 5 min at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stored for 10 min at room temperature, and the white solid (NH₄Cl) was quickly removed by filtration, and washed with 5 ml THF. A solution of 3.40 g (17.3 mmol) of distilled 1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1,4-diazepane in 25 THF was added dropwise to the mother liquid within 5 min at room temperature and a yellow solid formed. The reaction mixture was stored for 1 hour at room temperature, and subsequently treated with 5% HCl solution in MeOH until a pH of ˜2 was reached. The mixture was cooled to 4° C. overnight. Light yellow 2-[4-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1,4-diazepan-1-yl]-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one was filtered off and washed with a small volume of acetone.

The product was recrystallized from an appropriate solvent, such as EtOH.

Yield: 67%

mp: 269-271° C. (EtOH)

MS (m/z): 470 (M⁺)

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 10.93 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.80 and 8.86 (two 1H, two s, 2CH), 4.60 and 4.32 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 3.78 (2H, broad s, NHCH ₂), 3.16 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 3.18 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 2.96 (2H, broad s, CH₂), 2.12 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 1.86 (2H, broad s, CH₂), 1.74 and 1.55 (11H, 2 m, HC(CH₂)₅) ppm

Anal. for C₂₁H₂₅F₃N₄O₃S×HCl:

Calc.: C, 49.75; H, 5.17; N, 11.05.

Found: C, 49.64; H, 5.14; N, 11.14.

The following compounds were obtained by conducting the process of Example 1, except for using the appropriate (homo)piperazine derivative.

Example 2 8-Nitro-2-(4-pentyl-1,4-diazepan-1-yl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride (Compound 2)

Yield: 59%

mp: 246-248° C. (EtOH)

MS (m/z): 444 (M⁺)

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 10.89 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.82 and 8.86 (two 1H, two s, 2CH), 0.76-4.62 (21H, several very broad s, 9 CH₂ and CH₃) ppm

Anal. for C₁₉H₂₃F₃N₄O₃S×HCl:

Calc.: C, 47.45; H, 5.29; N, 11.32.

Found: C, 47.47; H, 5.26; N, 11.30.

Example 3 2-(4-Hexyl-1,4-diazepan-1-yl)-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride (Compound 3)

Yield: 63%

mp: 249-251° C. (EtOH)

MS (m/z): 458 (M⁺)

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 10.92 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.81 and 8.87 (two 1H, two s, 2CH), 4.64 and 4.21 (2H, broad d, NHCH ₂), 3.92 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 3.65 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 3.06 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 2.32 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 1.76 (2H, broad s, CH ₂), 1.35 (6H, broad s, (CH₂)₃) and 0.94 (2H, broad s, CH₂) ppm

Anal. for C₂₀H₂₅F₃N₄O₃S×HCl:

Calc.: C, 48.53; H, 5.29; N, 11.32.

Found: C, 48.59; H, 5.23; N, 11.27.

Example 4 2-[4-(2-Cyclohexylethyl)-1,4-diazepan-1-yl]-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride (Compound 4)

Yield: 60%

mp: 274-277° C. (EtOH)

MS (m/z): 484 (M⁺)

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 10.86 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.82 and 8.86 (two 1H, two s, 2CH), 0.91-4.65 (25H, several very broad s, 12 CH₂ and CH) ppm

Anal. for C₂₂H₂₇F₃N₄O₃S×HCl:

Calc.: C, 50.72; H, 5.42; N, 10.75.

Found: C, 50.75; H, 5.59; N, 10.59.

Example 5 2-(4-Heptyl-1,4-diazepan-1-yl)-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride (Compound 5)

Yield: 67%

mp: 256-258° C. (EtOH)

MS (m/z): 472 (M⁺)

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 10.85 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.81 and 8.87 (two 1H, two s, 2CH), 1.12-4.68 (25H, several very broad s, 11 CH₂ and CH₃) ppm

Anal. for C₂₁H₂₇F₃N₄O₃S×HCl:

Calc.: C, 49.55; H, 5.54; N, 11.01.

Found: C, 49.47; H, 5.50; N, 11.09.

Example 6 2-(4-Cyclohexyl-1,4-diazepan-1-yl)-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride (Compound 6)

Yield: 64%

mp: 290-293° C. (EtOH/H₂O)

MS (m/z): 456 (M⁺)

1H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 10.89 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.82 and 8.87 (two 1H, two s, 2CH), 0.87-4.65 (21H, several very broad s, 10 CH₂ and CH) ppm

Anal. for C₂₀H₂₄F₃N₄O₃S×HCl:

Calc.: C, 48.73; H, 4.91; N, 11.37.

Found: C, 48.66; H, 4.94; N, 11.42.

Example 7 8-Nitro-2-[4-(2-phenylethyl)-1,4-diazepan-1-yl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride (Compound 7)

Yield: 58%

mp: 264-267° C. (EtOH/H₂O)

MS (m/z): 478 (M⁺)

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 11.32 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.98 and 8.89 (two 1H, two s, 2CH), 7.21-7.43 (5H, m, C₆H₅), 4.60 and 4.34 (2H, broad d, NHCH ₂), 4.01 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 3.65 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 3.32 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 3.13 (2H, broad s, CH ₂), 2.61 (2H, broad s, CH₂), 2.40 (2H, broad s, NHCH ₂) ppm

Anal. for C₂₂H₂₁F₃N₄O₃S×HCl:

Calc.: C, 51.31; H, 4.31; N, 10.88.

Found: C, 51.37; H, 4.37; N, 10.93.

Example 8 Synthesis of 2-[4-(cyclohexylmethyl)piperazin-1-yl]-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride hydrochloride (PBTZ169×HCl) (Compound 8)

Yield: 78%

mp: 296-297° C. (EtOH/H₂O)

MS (m/z): 456 (M⁺)

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 11.13 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.86 and 8.76 (two 1H, two s, 2CH), 4.64 (2H, broad s, NHCH ₂), 3.94 (2H, broad s, NHCH ₂), 3.18 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 3.18 (2H, broad s, NCH ₂), 2.96 (2H, broad s, CH₂), 1.75 and 1.53 (11H, 2 m, HC(CH₂)₅) ppm

Anal. for C₂₀H₂₃F₃N₄O₃S×HCl:

Calc.: C, 48.73; H, 4.91; N, 11.37.

Found: C, 48.79; H, 4.85; N, 11.46.

The following compounds in the form of light yellow crystals were obtained in the same manner as Example 8.

Example 9 2-[4-(2-Cyclohexylethyl)piperazin-1-yl]-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride (Compound 9)

Yield: 76.7%

mp: 271-273° C. (EtOH/H₂O)

MS (m/z): 470 (M⁺)

1H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 11.13 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.86 and 8.76 (two 1H, two s, 2CH), 3.91 (4H, broad s, N(CH₂)₂), 2.51 (4H, broad s, N(CH₂)₂), 2.36 (2H, t, CH₂), 1.70-0.85 (13H, 4 broad m, CH₂—CH(C₅H₁₀) ppm.

Anal. for C₂₁H₂₅F₃N₄O₃S×HCl:

Calc.: C, 49.75; H, 5.17; N, 11.05.

Found: C, 49.63; H, 5.11; N, 11.20.

Example 10 2-(4-Heptylpiperazin-1-yl)-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride (Compound 10)

Yield; 68%

mp: 254-256° C. (EtOH/H₂O)

MS (m/z): 458 (M⁺)

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 11.01 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.85 and 8.76 (two 1H, two s, 2CH), 3.90 (4H, broad s, N(CH₂)₂), 2.52 (4H, broad s, N(CH₂)₂), 2.33 (3H, t, CH), 1.43 (2H, broad m, CH₂), 1.28 (8H, broad m, 4CH₂), 0.86 (3H, t, CH₃) ppm

Anal. for C₂₀H₂₅F₃N₄O₃S×HCl:

Calc.: C, 48.53; H, 5.29; N, 11.32.

Found: C, 48.61; H, 5.22; N, 11.18.

Example 11 8-Nitro-2-[4-(4-phenoxybutyl)piperazin-1-yl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride (Compound 11)

Yield: 74%

mp: 256-258° C. (EtOH)

MS (m/z): 508 (M⁺)

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 10.93 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.91 and 8.80 (two 1H, two s, 2CH), 7.29 (2H, t, 2CH), 6.93 (3H, d, 3CH), 4.03 (2H, t, OCH₂), 3.65 (2H, d, 2CH), 3.19 (4H, broad m, N(CH₂)₂), 1.94 and 1.79 (4H, 2 broad m, 2CH₂) ppm

Anal. for C₂₃H₂₃F₃N₄O₄S×HCl:

Calc.: C, 50.69; H, 4.44; N, 10.28.

Found: C, 50.47; H, 4.32; N, 10.16.

Example 12 2-{4-[3-(4-Fluorophenoxy)propyl]piperazin-1-yl}-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride (Compound 12)

Yield: 77%

mp: 261-2637° C. (ethanol)

MS (m/z): 512 (M⁺)

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 10.97 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.85 and 8.76 (two 10H, two s, 2CH), 7.11 (2H, t, 2CH), 6.94 (2H, m, 2CH), 4.12 (2H, t, OCH₂), 3.85 (4H, broad s, N(CH₂)₂), 2.52 (4H, broad s, N(CH₂)₂), 2.48 (2H, m, CH₂), 1.83 (2H, q, CH₂) ppm

Anal. for C₂₂H₂₀F₄N₄O₄S×HCl;

Calc.: C, 48.14; H, 3.86; N, 10.21.

Found: C, 47.97; H, 3.83; N, 10.27.

Example 13 2-(4-Butylpiperazin-1-yl)-8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,3-benzothiazin-4-one hydrochloride (Compound 13)

Yield: 67%

mp: 239-241° C. (EtOH/H₂O)

MS (m/z): 416 (M⁺)

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 10.06 (1H, broad s, NH), 8.85 and 8.76 (two 1H, two s, 2CH), 3.90 (4H, broad s, N(CH₂)₂), 2.51 (4H, broad s, N(CH₂)₂), 2.32 (2H, t, CH₂), 1.46 and 1.33 (4H, 2 m, 2CH₂), 0.91 (3H, t, CH₃) ppm

Anal. for C₁₇H₁₉F₃N₄O₃S×HCl:

Calc.: C, 45.09; H, 4.45; N, 12.37.

Found: C, 45.16; H, 4.54; N, 12.30.

Example 14 In Vitro Inhibitory Activity of the Compounds of the Invention Against Mycobacteria.

Activity against M. tuberculosis strains H37Rv and NBT1 was determined by the resazurin reduction assay (MIC₉₉). The method is described in detail in: J. C. Palomino, A. Martin, M. Camacho, H. Guerra, J. Swings, F. Portaels, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 2002, 46, 2720-2722. The results are presented in Table 1.

TABLE 1 H37Rv NTB1 Compound Units MIC₉₉ MIC₉₉ 1 μg/mL 0.001 NA 2 μg/mL 0.0002 >10 3 μg/mL 0.0002 >10 4 μg/mL 0.0002 >10 5 μg/mL 0.0003 13.8 6 μg/mL 0.001 50.5 7 μg/mL 0.0008 27.1 PBTZ169 μg/mL 0.0003 >100 NA—not available H37Rv - BTZ-susceptible wild type strain NTB1 - BTZ-resistant mutant of H37Rv

It can clearly be derived from Table 1 above that the compounds of the present invention are more effective against the BTZ-resistant mutant NBT1 than the prior art compound PBTZ169, and are equally effective against H37Rv. 

1. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (Ia) comprising the following steps: (1) reacting a substituted 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride according to formula (II) with M-SCN;

(2) reacting the thus obtained crude 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl isothiocyanate without isolation with a substituted piperazine or homopiperazine of formula (III),

(3) acidifying the thus obtained 2-piperazine or 2-homopiperazine 1,3-benzothiazine-4-one with hydrochloric acid to obtain a compound of formula (Ia).

wherein n is 1 or 2; preferably 2; R¹ is a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkyl group, a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkenyl group or a linear or branched C₃₋₁₂ alkynyl group, all of which may be substituted with halogen, and wherein one or two CH₂-groups may be substituted by O or S, or

wherein X is a linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkenyl group or a linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkynyl group; Y is a direct bond, O, S, NH, NMe, NEt, or NPr; Z is a direct bond, or a linear or branched C₁₋₃ alkyl group; Q is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, phenyl, or naphtyl, which may be substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from halogen, a linear or branched C₁₋₃ alkoxy group, a linear or branched C₁₋₃ alkenyloxy group, a linear or branched C₁₋₃ alkynyloxy group, mono-, di or trifluoromethyl; M is an alkali metal, or NH₄; preferably Na, K or NH₄; more preferably NH₄; R² is NO₂, NHOH; preferably NO₂.
 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the thiocyanate M-SCN in step (1) is selected from sodium thiocyanate, potassium thiocyanate and ammonium thiocyanate, and is preferably ammonium thiocyanate.
 3. The process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the molar ratio of M-SCN in step (1) is 1 to 3, preferably 1 to 1.4, based on the compound of formula (II).
 4. The process according to claim 1, wherein ammonium thiocyanate is used and the molar ratio is 1 to 1.4.
 5. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the molar ratio of the substituted piperazine or homopiperazine in step (2) is 1 to 5, and preferably 1 to 2, based on the compound of formula (II).
 6. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a mixture of hydrochloric acid with water, methanol, ethanol, n- or iso-propanol, or ethyl acetate, preferably methanol, is used in step (3).
 7. The process according to claim 6, wherein the acidification is conducted with a 5% solution of hydrochloric acid at a pH of
 2. 8. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reaction is conducted in THF or acetone, preferably in THF.
 9. The process according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: (1) reacting a substituted 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride according to formula (II) with ammonium thiocyanate in THF, wherein ammonium thiocyanate is used in a molar ratio of 1 to 1.4, based on the compound of formula (II), (2) reacting the obtained crude 2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl isothiocyanate without isolation with a substituted piperazine or homopiperazine in a molar ratio of 1:1 to 1:2, based on the compound of formula (II), (3) acidifying the obtained 2-piperazine or 2-homopiperazine 1,3-benzothiazine-4-one with a 5% solution of hydrochloric acid in methanol at a pH of 2 to obtain a compound of formula (Ia).
 10. A process for preparing a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which comprises the process according to any one of claims 1-9 and subsequent conversion of the hydrochloride of formula (Ia).

wherein n, R¹, and R² are as defined in claim
 1. 11. A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

wherein n is 2; R¹ is a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkyl group, a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkenyl group, a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkynyl group, all of which may be substituted with halogen, and wherein one or two CH₂-groups may be substituted with O or S, or

wherein X is a linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl group, a linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkenyl group, or a linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkynyl group; Y is a direct bond, O, S, NH, NMe, NEt, or NPr; Z is a direct bond, or a linear or branched C₁₋₃ alkyl group; Q is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, phenyl, or naphtyl, which may be substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from halogen, a linear or branched C₁₋₃ alkoxy group, a linear or branched C₁₋₃ alkenyloxy group, a linear or branched C₁₋₃ alkynyloxy group, mono-, di or trifluoromethyl; and R² is NO₂ or NHOH; preferably NO₂.
 12. The compound according to claim 11, wherein R¹ is a linear, branched or cyclic C₃₋₁₂ alkyl group, which may substituted with halogen, and wherein one or two CH₂-groups may be substituted by O or S.
 13. The compound according to claim 11, wherein n is 2, R¹ is a linear or cyclic C₄₋₉ alkyl group, and R² is NO₂.
 14. The compound according to any one of claims 11-13, which is the hydrochloride salt of formula (Ia):

wherein n, R¹ and R² are as defined in any one of claims 11-13.
 15. The compound according to any one of claims 11-14 for use in a method for the treatment of bacterial infections, preferably mycobacterial infections, more preferably tuberculosis, buruli ulcer and leprosy.
 16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of formula (I) according to any one of claims 11-14. 